Book Review: Darkest Before Dawn by Maya Banks

THE ALL-NEW KGI NOVEL from the “incredibly awesome" (Jaci Burton) #1 New York Times bestselling author of When Day Breaks.

The Kelly Group International (KGI): A super-elite, top secret, family-run business.
Qualifications: High intelligence, rock-hard body, military background.
Mission: Hostage/kidnap victim recovery. Intelligence gathering. Handling jobs the U.S. government can’t...

The enigmatic Hancock has been both opponent and ally to the KGI teams for as long as they've known him. Always working a deep game, Hancock's true allegiance has never been apparent, but one thing is for certain—he never lets anything get in the way of duty.

But now, his absolute belief in the primacy of his ultimate goal is challenged by a captive he's been ordered to guard, no matter how much she suffers in her prison. She's the only woman who's ever managed to penetrate the rigid walls surrounding his icy heart, but will he allow his perplexing feelings for the beautiful victim to destroy a mission he's spent years working to complete or will he be forced to sacrifice her for “the greater good.”

This is an Adult romance novel recommended for ages 18+ due to sexual content and mature subject matter.

Honor lived her life differently then her parents and 5 siblings. While they all stayed near home to have careers and be near family, Honor wanted to go where most people didn't. She moved to place where she could help people that needed fresh water, supplies, and medical help. The middle East was not a safe area for Westerners but she really enjoyed what she did in the world.

Then one day it all changed... The building was bombed, being the only survivor. She got all the strength she could to get herself out and evade capture. She did fine on her own for awhile. Then one day Hancock stepped in her way, not knowing if he was to be trusted or not. She still went with him because she didn't want anyone to die because of her. She began to trust him and his group of men. She did not know where she would end up but thinking she was finally safe. Of course that isn't always the case when you don't know the full story.

What I enjoyed most about Darkest Before Dawn is Honor is such a strong willed woman. She wants to live life. She is willing to deal with the pain and whatever else, just to keep moving forward. She is selfless, loving, forgiving even when its not the best circumstances, her life is always on the line. Even with everything she's been thru, she still want to help people.

The connection between Honor and Hancock is there, but he wants to hide it... and everything else that has to do with feelings. I loved their first kiss scene. I like that he wants to protect her for as long as he can and that finally he opened up to her with the truth. Even if it was hard for him to say and her to hear, but in the end she would still sacrifice herself for the greater good.

This book is great. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes stories about a selfless woman, action, very dangerous men, survival skills and a woman's will to live no matter what she has gone through. This story does have some dark moments, so not for everyone.